Cadillac XT5 Best and Worst Years (2017–2025)
Avoid the 2017, 2018, and 2025 Cadillac XT5 model years, which carry Complaint Index scores of 88, 75, and 100 with 124, 66, and 5 complaints respectively. The 2020 and 2021 model years score lowest (13 and 0) and are the best picks.
- Model years
- 9
- 2017–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 301
- Recall campaigns
- 15
- Crashes reported
- 16
- Fires reported
- 4
- Top problem area
- Engine
XT5 Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Cadillac XT5 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Avoid | 88 | 124 | 6 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Avoid | 75 | 66 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Engine | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 63 | 32 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Steering | 21.5 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Best | 13 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 5 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Best | 0 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 21 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Good | 38 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 21 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 25 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 50 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Avoid | 100 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 22 | 5★ |
XT5 years to avoid: what went wrong
2025 Cadillac XT5 Index 100 · 5 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2025 XT5 has only 5 complaints so far but the highest Complaint Index at 100, driven by two crashes, one fire, and five injuries in a small sample. Collision avoidance and camera issues make up 60% of complaints, with owners reporting sudden unintended acceleration and brake failure during low-speed driving. Transmission problems, including snap ring and control valve body failures, were also reported. One recall addressed an instrument panel illumination software issue.
2017 Cadillac XT5 Index 88 · 124 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2017 XT5 logged 124 complaints, the highest of any year, giving it a Complaint Index of 88. Engine problems led at 25% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 13,000, followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 21% (median 18,000 miles) and electrical faults at 19%. Owners reported unexpected shutdowns while driving, sudden unintended movement while parked, and brake failures leading to crashes. One recall covered front brake caliper assemblies. Six crashes and two injuries were reported for this year.
2017 engine problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →2017 electrical system problems →
2018 Cadillac XT5 Index 75 · 66 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2018 XT5 had 66 complaints and a Complaint Index of 75. Engine problems accounted for 29% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 40,000, and electrical issues followed at 24% (median 33,835 miles). Owners described engine fires, sudden loss of steering control, unexpected high-speed acceleration, and transmission shifting into park while the vehicle was still moving. No recalls were issued for this model year, but two crashes and one fire were reported.
Most common Cadillac XT5 problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine76 (25%)
- Other60 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain60 (20%)
- Electrical System55 (18%)
- Steering45 (15%)
- Brakes38 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras20 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires20 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers17 (6%)
- Structure & Body14 (5%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Cadillac XT5 should I avoid?
- NHTSA data flags 2017, 2018, and 2025 as years to avoid, with Complaint Index scores of 88, 75, and 100 relative to other XT5 model years.
- What is the best year for the Cadillac XT5?
- The 2020 and 2021 model years score best, with Complaint Index values of 13 and 0 and only 23 and 16 complaints filed with NHTSA.
- What is the most common problem with the Cadillac XT5?
- Across all model years, engine issues make up 25% of complaints (76 total), followed by transmission and powertrain problems at 20% and electrical system issues at 18%.
- Does the Cadillac XT5 have transmission recalls?
- NHTSA recall data shows 15 recall campaigns across XT5 model years, and transmission and powertrain complaints appear notably in the 2017, 2023, 2024, and 2025 model years.
- Is the 2025 Cadillac XT5 reliable?
- The 2025 XT5 has few complaints (5) so far but carries the highest Complaint Index (100) among all years, with reports involving crashes, a fire, and five injuries.